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About Mason City

The secret of our success is that Mason City is the kind of place where people want to live. Mason City is the center of activity for North Iowa. Located in Cerro Gordo County, we are 140 miles south of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and 130 miles north of Des Moines, Iowa. The communities of North Iowa have a long history and a bright future.

Band FestivalMason City is a comfortable place to live. Residents enjoy the quality of life offered in a small-town atmosphere; away from the hectic pace, the cost, the crime, and the crowds of the big city. Mason City has a charm all its own. From cultural events to museums, Mason City and the surrounding areas have a variety of exciting things for individuals and families to enjoy. The original "River City," Mason City was the model town for Meredith Wilson's "The Music Man."

Mason City is also home to the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie School designed homes in the country. You'll learn that cultural resources extend far beyond Meredith Willson's legacy. Area museums and attractions include the Music Man Square, Charles H. MacNider Museum, and Kinney Pioneer Museum. You also can take advantage of renowned entertainment at the famous Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake or through the North Iowa Area Community College Performing Arts and Speaker Series.

for outdoor enthusiastsFor outdoor enthusiasts, the North Iowa region lies in the heart of the "land of four seasons." The recreational activities you'll enjoy in and around Mason City are virtually unlimited.

You can enjoy activities year round from biking to camping, water sports on Clear Lake to hiking and cross-country skiing at Lime Creek Nature Center or Pilot Knob State Park. The Parks and Recreational Department offers a host of recreational leagues for all ages. For those who prefer to do their recreating indoors, the area offers tennis facilities, racquetball, fitness (exercise classes, swimming, Nautilus, and weights), ice skating, hockey, volleyball, karate, and bowling.

There are a variety of employment opportunities for spouses in the area. Major employers include: Sunny Fresh Foods, Kraft Foods, Curries and Graham Manufacturing, Winnebago Industries, Cole Sewell/Pella, Woodharbor, Principal Financial, North Iowa Area Community College, public and parochial schools as well as MercyOne North Iowa.

Recreation

Warm weather or cold, indoors or out, North Iowans have an abundance of recreational opportunities. These are some of the activities locals take advantage of in their leisure time:

  • Mason City Arena: hockey and entertainment venue
  • Lime Creek Nature Center
  • Pilot Knob State Park
  • Parks/Playgrounds
  • Bike Trails
  • Mountain Bike Park
  • Golfing  
  • Camping
  • Fitness Centers
  • Water Fun: Clear Lake, Winnebago River, Mason City Aquatic Center
  • Winter Adventures: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat-tire biking, snowmobiling, ice fishing and sledding

Cultural attractions

  • Architecture
    • The Historic Park Inn & Stockman House
  • Music
    • The Music Man Square
    • The Surf Ballroom & Museum
    • The Music Experience Center
  • Art
    • Charles H. MacNider Art Museum
    • Clear Lake Arts Center
  • Theater
    • Mason City Community Theater
    • Stebens Children's Theatre
    • NIACC Performing Arts & Leadership Series

Local amenities (shopping and dining)

As the business hub for the region, Mason City is where residents in greater North Iowa and beyond come to do much of their shopping. National retailers like Target and Walmart operate alongside locally owned specialty shops, ensuring you can find just about anything you are looking for without needing to travel to a larger city.  If you do need something in particular, Minneapolis and Des Moines are just two hours away. Clear Lake’s main street offers a variety of quaint shops, including antiques, flowers and clothing stores.

When it’s time to eat, you can’t go wrong in North Iowa. You’ll find many of the chain restaurants you know and love. There are also a variety of local restaurants, some of which have been serving diners for 100+ years!  You’ll also enjoy the variety of outdoor eating options when the weather is warm.

Community and lifestyle

  • Housing: When it comes to finding the right home, new residents may consider whether they want to live “in town” (Mason City) or in one of the surrounding small communities. Whichever you choose, you’ll find people take a lot of pride in their homes and neighborhoods. Yards are well-maintained, people are welcoming and most housing is owner-occupied.  The cost of living is 24% lower than the national average.
  • Health and well-being: Healthy living is important to North Iowans. We have placed a special emphasis on initiatives to encourage families to live their healthiest, happiest lives. This commitment to health can be seen in the wealth of health care resources, access to recreational opportunities and unique programs to teach our youth about healthy living.
  • Making connections: You move to a community for new opportunities. You stay because of the connections you make. North Iowans understand the importance of having a strong network of friends and colleagues.  There are clubs, organizations and places of worship ready to invite you in and help you get involved.